Plumber steals TV to start business

A 19-YEAR-OLD plumber has told the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court that he broke into three houses to steal property to try and raise money to start a business.

This is in a matter Bernard Kopa of Kaunda Square Township, is charged with three counts of house breaking and theft, contrary to Section 301 (a) and 272 of the Penal Code, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.

In the first count, it is alleged that on May 16, 2019, in Lusaka, around 14:00 hours, Kopa broke and entered into the house of Ms Ruth Malambo and stole a television set worth K5, 500.

In count two, Kopa is alleged to have broken into the house of Bwalya Kangwa, in Kaunda Square Township, where he stole a television, an amplifier and a bag, all valued at K4, 280.

And in the last count, particulars of the offence are that Kopa on the same date broke into the house of Ms Sara Chela, in the same Township, and also stole a television worth K2, 000.

When the matter came up for plea before Magistrate Ruth Kapulo, Kopa pleaded guilty to all three counts.

Asked to explain how he stole, Kopa explained that he gained access to the properties by damaging the doors to the houses with an iron bar.

Asked what he wanted to do with the property, Kopa said he wanted to sale them to raise money to start a business.

He said he had no lawful justification or claim of right.

At this point the court recorded pleas of guilt and adjourned the mater to June 18, 2019 for written facts and possible sentencing.